Apple Acquires French-Canadian Mapping Company

The days of our enjoying inherent Google Map integration with our Apple products could well be numbered, as Apple has acquired a second software company specializing in interactive mapping technology.

According to the French language newspaper Le Soleil (The Sun), Apple has purchased the Quebec-based software company Poly9--a company known for its 3d, cross browser, cross platform mapping and globe software. Ever hear of them? Well, maybe not, but if you or your kids have ever tracked Santa online through NORAD's website, then you're familiar with their work. They've also tinkered on behalf of Microsoft, MSNBC, Yahoo and Google.

At the time of this posting, Poly9's corporate website was no longer available online. According to a report by AppleInsider, the vast majority of Poly9's employees have already moved from their old Quebec City digs and set up shop in California. Apple's purchase of Poly9 marks the second acquisition they've made of companies with expertise in mapping applications. Last year, the Cupertino-based tech giant also bought out Placebase, one of Google Maps' direct competitors.

What does it mean for Apple's relationship with Google? It's no secret that the once lovey-dovey pair of companies have been a little cold towards each other as of late. With Apple having welcomed both Yahoo and Microsoft onboard as search options for the iPhone, it wouldn't be a giant stretch to assume they might well be looking for options to replace Google Maps too--especially when they've spent a lot of dough to buy companies that specialize in tech to do exactly that.